SMC are set to transform the modern shop floor with the launch of its new EXW1 Series Compact Wireless System, boasting an extended range of up to one hundred meters. This latest innovation is 75% smaller than its predecessor, the EX600-W, and is fully fieldbus compatible, featuring a host of advanced functionalities.
SMC’s EXW1 Series: A Proven Solution for Enhanced Mobility
SMC’s unique wireless fieldbus system is already a proven solution in responding to the demands of the modern factory shop floor. Addressing increased demands for mobility created by robots and other equipment it offers far greater freedom of movement versus wired solutions.
Resilient Wireless Communications
Its reliable decentralised wireless fieldbus system is faster, more secure and noise resistant, with network speed up to 1 Mbps. It will also connect 1280 inputs/1280 outputs to a single base without communication cables. Moreover, it is compatible with the existing Modular Type EX600-W Series, allowing the addition of valve manifolds and IO-Link header units as needed.
Importantly, the communication range is now one hundred metres, simplifying connections with a wide variety of input/output devices across the factory floor. Furthermore, it supports frequency hopping (FH) and frequency channel selection (FCS) functions in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. This prevents interference from other wireless devices, in addition to data encryption that rules out unauthorised access from the outside.
When using multiple wireless bases in the same communication area, each base communicates with their paired remotes. This is because each wireless base can identify its wireless remotes by their personal identification.
Versatile Applications Across Industries
The SMC EXW1 Series Compact Wireless System is suitable for use in any industry that needs the flexibility to communicate with various networks and the IO-Link compatible version adds even greater communication capabilities. Other popular communications protocols include PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link and EtherCAT.
Its compact size and light weight make the EXW1 Series suitable for mounting on mobile applications. This includes jigs or tool changes in robot arms or rotary/indexing tables. Where appropriate, external wireless antenna are available.
Other applications include areas with an elevated risk of cable damage or disconnection of cables in moving parts. This is important as damage to communication cables mean a loss of production. Troubleshooting also takes time, with additional time and resources needed to install replacement cables and recommission the system.
Wireless is both Cost-effective and Efficient
The decentralised nature of the EXW1 wireless system not only prevents disruptions in productivity but also reduces costs associated with wiring and other auxiliary equipment, such as expensive rotary joints. With superior communication speed, response times, and data transmission capacity, the EXW1 is adaptable for use across various industries and equipment. It effectively meets the growing demands of equipment designers, production, and maintenance engineers for flexible and reliable machine control architectures.
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As with the EX600-W, the EXW1 isn’t being sold as a stand-alone product – it comes complete with the purchase of an SMC Configured Manifold. For us to be able to provide you with a price for an SMC Configured Manifold, just click through here to find SMC’s Value Manifold Configurator with the Engineering Tools on the SMC UK website. Once you’ve completed your value configuration, save out as a .syf file, email it to us and we’ll respond accordingly. NOTE: We can not accept PDF file outputs due to the risk of mistakes when putting the list of parts together, so .syf files only please.
Interested in how SMC’s new EXW1 Series Compact Wireless System can help your organisation? Please fill in the contact form below and one of our team will get back to you as soon as they possibly can.